>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT AND IS PROVIDED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND OR STEAD, COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW LONG-TERM, SUSTAINABLE, CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

>>> FROM NJPBS, THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BRIANA VANNOZZI.

>>> GOOD EVENING.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS MONDAY NIGHT, I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

WE BEGIN WITH ALL-TOO-FAMILIAR AND TRAGIC STRING OF EVENTS.

A SERIES OF SHOOTINGS THIS WEEKEND THAT ROCKED CITIES FROM COAST TO COAST, AT LEAST ONE OF WHICH WAS FUELED BY RACIAL HATRED.

SATURDAY, A GUNMAN OPENED FIRE IN A SUPERMARKET IN BUFFALO, NEW YORK, KILLING 10 PEOPLE AND INJURING THREE MORE.

ALMOST ALL OF THOSE WHO WERE SHOT OR BLACK RESIDENTS.

AUTHORITIES SAY HE PLANS TO CONTINUE HIS SHOOTING RAMPAGE IF HE ESCAPED THE SAME.

THE SUSPECT AN 18-YEAR-OLD WHITE MALE IS IN CUSTODY AND CHARGED WITH FIRST-DEGREE MURDER.

INVESTIGATORS SAY THE GUNMAN IS BELIEVED TO HAVE POST A LENGTHY RACIST MANIFESTO ONLINE, ALLEGEDLY REFERENCING TO NEW JERSEY SHOOTINGS.

ONE IN NEW JERSEY CITY, THE OTHER IN OCEAN COUNTY THAT TARGETED HASIDIC JUICE, AND STRATEGICALLY CHOSE A NEIGHBORHOOD WITH A LARGE BLACK POPULATION TO TARGET.

THE MANIFESTO REFERENCES SO- CALLED REPLACEMENT THEORY.

THE FALSE BELIEF THAT WHITE AMERICAN VOTERS ARE BEING REPLACED WITH IMMIGRANTS AND PEOPLE OF COLOR.

ELSEWHERE, A MASS SHOOTING AT A PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS KILLED ONE MAN AND INJURED FIVE OTHERS.

POLICE AND ARRESTED AND CHARGED A 68-YEAR-OLD MAN FOR THE SHOOTING.

THE CONGREGATION IS MADE UP OF MOSTLY ELDERLY TAIWANESE IMMIGRANTS.

SHOOTINGS WERE REPORTED OVER THE WEEKEND IN ARKANSAS, WISCONSIN, HOUSTON TEXAS, AND WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA.

THERE HAVE BEEN OVER 200 NOW SHOOTINGS IN 2022 ALONE.

AT AN EVENT IN HACKENSACK TODAY, GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY ADDRESSED THIS LATEST DATE OF GUN VIOLENCE IN THE NATION.

>> THIS IS THE TIME TO SAY WHERE YOU STAND.

THERE CAN BE NO SAFE PLACE FOR ANY CANDIDATE OR ELECTION ELECTED OFFICIALS SEEKING WIGGLE ROOM ON GUNS TO HAD TO GO DURHAM IS HOW WE END UP WITH 60 DEAD AMERICANS AND ONE WE CAN MORE THAN HALF OF TARGETED JUST BECAUSE THEY WERE BLACK.

THIS WAS ANOTHER MOURNFUL WEEKEND AMERICA.

HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO SENSELESSLY DIE BEFORE WE WAKE UP?

HOW MANY MORE HAVE TO SENSELESSLY DIE BEFORE WE COME TO OUR SENSES?

>> IN AN INCREASINGLY PARTISAN WORLD, IT APPEARS THERE ARE FEW DIVIDES WHEN IT COMES TO SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE.

IN THE MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY POLL OUT TODAY THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA.

77% OF THOSE SURVEYED SUPPORT ECONOMIC SANCTIONS.

ROUGHLY THE SAME 78% SUPPORT A BAN ON RUSSIAN GAS AND OIL IMPORTS.

LARGE MAJORITIES ARE ALSO IN FAVOR OF SENDING WEAPONS TO UKRAINE DESPITE ALL THE POSITIVE FEELINGS TOWARD BOLSTERING THE WAR-TORN COUNTRY, 43% OF RESPONDENTS APPROVE OF HOW PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN IS HANDLING THE SITUATION, WHICH CONTINUES TO ESCALATE.

UKRAINIAN OFFICIALS REPORTED MISSILE ATTACKS AND SHOWING IN SEVERAL REGIONS OVER THE WEEKEND, AS RUSSIAN FORCES ARE REPORTEDLY REMOVING DEBRIS AND THE WOUNDED AFTER WEEKS OF BOMBING THE STEEL PLANT IN MARIUPOL.

IN A DRAMATIC SHIFT, FINLAND AND SWEDEN ANNOUNCED TODAY, THEY WILL SEEK TO JOIN NATO, ENDING DECADES OF NEUTRALITY.

GOVERNMENT LEADERS SAY IT IS THE BEST OPTION TO PROTECT THE COUNTRY SECURITY IN LIGHT OF RUSSIA'S INVASION.

>>> THE BATTLE AGAINST COVID CONTINUES HERE AT HOME TRANSMISSION RATES REMAINING HIGH.

TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE REINSTATING MASK MANDATES TONIGHT WITH ROUGHLY A MONTH LEFT OF THE SCHOOL YEAR TO GO.

STARTING TODAY, ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF AT McCUTCHEON PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAVE TO WEAR FACE COVERINGS INSIDE BUILDINGS AND ON BUSES.

IN THE SOUTH ORANGE, MAPLEWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT, MASKS ARE REQUIRED ARE CLINTON AND SOUTH MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.

MONTCLAIR SCHOOL OFFICIALS BROUGHT BACK MASK MANDATES EARLIER THIS MONTH, CITING THE RISE IN NEW CASES.

2900 POSITIVE TEXTS IN TWO MORE DEATHS REPORTED STATEWIDE TODAY.

THE LATEST WAYS AND MEANS MASKS ARE BEING RECOMMENDED FOR INDOOR PLACES AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION THROUGHOUT 18 COUNTIES IN THE STATE.

'S AFTER THE CDC ELEVATED THEIR TRANSMISSION RISK TO HIGH.

JUST THE SOUTHEAST PORTION OF THE STATE, ATLANTA, CAPE MAY, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES REMAIN AT MODERATE RISK.

>>> SINCE THE SO-CALLED ELECTION IN 1974 HAVE SO MANY CANDIDATES ALDERMEN IN THE MIDTERM PRIMARIES.

MOTIVATED BY THE REDRAWING OF DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AND I BELIEVE THAT DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENTS ARE VULNERABLE HEADING INTO THE ELECTION.

IN SOUTH JERSEY, TWO GOP CANDIDATES ARE IN THE FRONT OF THE PACK LOOKING TO UNSEAT TWO- TERM DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATIVE ANDY CAN.

CAN PUT HIM ON THE DEFENSIVE?

SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT DAVID CREWS REPORTS.

>> Reporter: A LOT OF US ASSUME AND STILL DO THAT THE POLITICAL IMPACT OF THE RECENT SUPREME COURT LEAK ON ROE V. WADE WITH THE SCENE HERE ON THE THIRD DISTRICT REPUBLICAN PRIMARY AND IN THE GENERAL ELECTION IN NOVEMBER.

THE DISTRICT MAY SENT RECENTLY MADE BLUER AFTER REDISTRICTING COULD BE ENERGIZED BY A CHALLENGE TO ROE, SINCE THE CONVENTIONAL WISDOM.

IN POLITICAL REPORT RECENTLY UPGRADED THE RACE TO LIKELY DEMOCRAT.

THAT IS NOT A LOT, SETH COOK STEPHEN WASHINGTON.

>>'S FOREMOST CONCERN COST GAS,, AND EVEN THINGS LIKE BABY FORMULA, IT IS STILL DIFFICULT FOR DEMOCRATS TO SHIFT THE CONVERSATION TO WHAT THEY WOULD FRAME AS REPUBLICANS DENIAL OF WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS.

>> THOSE ASSEMBLED BY THE LEFT- WING POLITICIANS TO MAKE PEOPLE FORGET ABOUT THE LAST TWO YEARS OF THEIR LIVES UNDER THE DESTRUCTIVE COVID POLICIES, UNDER THE PRESSURE OF VACCINE MANDATES, UNDER A TANKING ECONOMY, A TANKING STOCK MARKET, WE QUARTERS, A WEAK MILITARY, AND ALL THESE THINGS THAT AMERICANS ARE FEELING MUCH MORE.

>> Reporter: REPUBLICAN IAN SMITH IS THE SOUTH JERSEY GYM OWNER GAINED NOTORIETY FOR CHALLENGING THE STATES MASK MANDATES.

HE IS ONE OF THE THREE REPUBLICANS VYING FOR THE NOMINATION.

SMITH IS FACING A DUI AFTER THE POLICE STOPPED LAST MONTH AND 15 YEARS AGO PLEADED GUILTY TO SECOND-DEGREE VEHICULAR HOMICIDE.

ONE OF THE OTHER CANDIDATES IN THE FIELD IS REALTOR NICHOLAS FERRARA, A GUY WHO SAYS HE NEVER LOVED POLITICIANS OR POLITICS.

FERRARA, MIKE SMITH, HOLDS ON TO THE MISSION THAT THE 2020 ELECTION WAS FRAUDULENT.

>> DO YOU THINK THE 2020 ELECTION IS SETTLED IN THE RIGHT PERSON IS IN THE WHITE HOUSE?

>> ABSOLUTELY NOT.

THE NEXT DAY WE KNEW WITH THE LINK THAT BALLOTS COMMUNITY 7% TO BIDEN.

DO YOU KNOW THERE WERE MILLIONS MORE VOTES THAN THERE WERE REGISTERED VOTERS?

>> Reporter: THAT IS NOT ACTUALLY TRUE.

FERRARA AND SMITH OFFERED NO EVIDENCE.

MOST ESTABLISHMENT REPUBLICANS HAVE MOVED ON FROM THIS.

THEY ARE CHASING MORE MAINSTREAM WELL-FUNDED REPUBLICAN BUSINESSMAN, BOB HEALY, WHO COULDN'T MAKE TIME TO SPEAK WITH US TODAY OR ANYTIME LAST WEEK.

>> I AM A CONSERVATIVE.

I BELIEVE IN FREEDOM AND LIBERTY.

INNOCUOUS FRONT RUNNER APPROACH TO THE PRIMARY CAMPAIGN, RELYING ON ESTABLISHMENT SUPPORT SPINNING HIS OPPONENTS IS PRETTY STANDARD, SAYS MICHAEL RASMUSSEN.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS WE HAVE SEEN ABOUT SMALL TURNOUT ELECTIONS, ELECTIONS, REPUBLICAN ELECTIONS IN PARTICULAR, IS THAT MONEY IS NOT ALWAYS THE DETERMINING ALL IMPORTANT FACTOR, AS LONG AS YOU CAN GET ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND SAY HEY, I AM THE GUY WHO IS GOING TO CARRY THE TRUMP BANNER FORWARD.

THAT CAN MEAN A LOT.

>> AND KIM, WHO BECAME A SYMBOL OF ELECTION TO THE GENERAL, HIS OPPONENTS CULTIVATE THE NECESSITY IS READYING FOR THE RIGHT WING ASSAULT THAT IS COMING ON THE ABORTION ISSUE, FRAMING IT AS AN OBVIOUS ECONOMIC ISSUE.

>> IN A SITUATION WHERE YOU'RE CALLING FOR THE END OF ROE V. WADE, I CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW THE SAME PERSON IS ALSO SOMEONE WHO IS AGAINST UNIVERSAL CHILDCARE, AGAINST UNIVERSAL PRE-K, AGAINST PAID FAMILY LEAVE AND SICK LEAVE.

THERE ARE SO MANY ELEMENTS HERE THAT'S JUST SHOW THE CONTRADICTIONS HERE, IN TERMS OF WHAT FAMILY VALUES ARE.

>> Reporter: KIM IS FAVORED BY THE COOK REPORT AND OTHERS, BUT YOU DON'T NEED TO LOOK FAR TO SEE WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN A DEMOCRAT UNDERESTIMATES HIS OPPONENTS.

>>> IF YOU WANT AN EXAMPLE OF STRUCTURAL RACISM, APPLICANT SAY YOU ONLY NEED TO LOOK AT AN APPLICATION FOR CAR INSURANCE.

COMPANIES ARE ALLOWED TO SET RATES IN PART BY USING SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS, LIKE A PERSON'S EDUCATION LEVEL, CREDIT SCORE, THEIR CURRENT JOB.

HISTORICALLY, THAT HAS MADE STATE-MANDATED COVERAGE MORE EXPENSIVE FOR BLACK AND BROWN DRIVERS.

A GROUP OF ACTIVISTS ARE CALLING TO PUT THAT PRACTICE TO AN END.

MELISSA ROSE COOPER REPORTS.

>> NEW JERSEY IS ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE CITIES IN THE NATION.

MOST OF CORE OF US ARE BORN BROWN.

>> Reporter: SOCIAL AND CONSUMER ADVOCATES SAY STUFF LIKE THOSE UNDERSCORED THE NEED FOR CHANGE IN THE AUTO INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

GROUP IS CALLING FOR AN END TO WHAT THEY SAY IS A DISTURBING PRACTICE, IS DRIVING FACTORS LIKE CREDIT SCORES AND EDUCATION HISTORY, TO DELETE INSURANCE PREMIUMS.

>> THESE PRACTICES ARE PREDATORY.

THESE PRACTICES ENABLE AUTO INSURANCE COMPANIES TO JUSTIFY THE UNJUSTIFIABLE.

HIGHER RATES FOR BLACK AND LATINX DRIVERS THAN FOR WHITES DRIVERS FOR NO LOGICAL REASON.

>> Reporter: HIGHER RATES, ADVOCATES SAY, COULD RESULT IN HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS MORE IN PAYMENTS.

>> Reporter: WHEN AUTO INSURANCE USE THESE FACTORS THEY ARE LOWERING RATES FOR FAVORING HEALTHY CONSUMERS WHO HAVE MORE DISPOSABLE INCOME TO PURCHASE OTHER INSURANCE PRODUCTS, BUT ACTUALLY HAVE WORSE DRIVING HISTORIES AND HIGH RISK.

>> Reporter: THESE ADVOCATES ARE NOW CALLING FOR CHANGE.

THE STATE'S DEPARTMENT OF BANKING AND INSURANCE TO STOP COMPANIES USING NONDRIVING FACTORS IN CALCULATING AUTO INSURANCE PRICES.

>> INSURANCE COMPANIES CLAIM THAT SOMEONE'S CREDIT SCORE IS RELATED TO HOW RISKY THEY ARE TO ENSURE.

WE HAVE ASKED CAN YOU PROVIDE EVIDENCE FOR THAT, THEY DON'T REALLY DO IT.

A CLAM UP AND TRY TO FIGHT TOOTH AND NAIL AGAINST TRANSPARENCY.

PEOPLE CAN HAVE POOR CREDIT SCORES FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS.

HUGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE LOST THEIR JOBS DURING THE COVID-19 PENDANT OR SO HOURS CUT AND THEN STRUGGLED TO PAY BILLS TO AS A RESULT, THE CREDIT HAS SUFFERED.

PEOPLE SHOULDN'T BE PAYING HIGH AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS BECAUSE OF THAT.

>> Reporter: CONSUMER ADVOCATES SAY BECAUSE OF THESE PRACTICES OFTEN LEAD TO HIGH OPINIONS, IT FORCES A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE ALREADY STRUGGLING TO MAKE EVEN MORE DIFFICULT FINANCIAL DECISIONS.

>> IF ANY OF US HAVE SAT DOWN AT OUR KITCHEN TABLE AND CRUNCH THE NUMBERS, HOW DO I GET TO WORK?

DO I DRIVE OR TAKE THE BUS?

TO GO GROCERY SHOPPING OR DO I ORDER MY KIDS A PIZZA?

WHEN YOU THINK OF KITCHEN TABLE ISSUES AND YOU SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF YOUR EXPENSES OF THE MONTH, AND YOU LOOK AT YOUR CAR INSURANCE AND YOU ARE SCRATCHING YOUR HEAD AND SAYING WHY AM I PAYING $300 A MONTH WHEN HEARING ABOUT SO MANY PEOPLE THAT ARE HEARING SO MUCH LESS?

>> TONY SIMONI IS THE STRUGGLE FIRSTHAND.

HE FOUND OUT HIS CREDIT SCORE WAS BEING USED TO CHARGE HIM $200 MORE A MONTH FOR HIS CAR INSURANCE.

>> I ALMOST FELL OFF MY CHAIR AT THE DEALERSHIP THE SALESPERSON COULDN'T BELIEVE IT EITHER.

>> Reporter: AFTER DOING MORE RESEARCH AND SHOPPING AROUND, HIS PAYMENT IS NOT ONLY $125 A MONTH.

ADVOCATES SAY NOT EVERYONE IS AWARE OF THE PRACTICES USED IN IT IS TIME FOR THEM TO STOP.

>> THEY PERPETUALLY SYSTEMIC RACISM.

WHAT SHOULD HAVE TO PAY HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS MORE.

MacQUARIE REACHED OUT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BANKING AND INSURANCE FOR COMMENTS REGARDING ADVOCATES CONCERNS.

HE DECLINED TO COMMENT AT THIS TIME.

>>> FOR YEARS, HIS RESIDENCE IN OCEAN COUNTY RELIED ON MOTELS IN SEASIDE HEIGHTS FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING.

WHEN A FEW OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN THE ONLY COUNTY IN NEW JERSEY WITHOUT A YEAR-ROUND HOMELESS SHELTER.

THOSE MOTELS ARE GETTING HARDER TO COME BY, IS CASHING IN MY HOT REAL ESTATE MARKET, SELLING THEIR PROPERTIES TO HIGH-END DEVELOPERS.

THERE IS A RENEWED EFFORT TO SOLVE THE SHELTER PROBLEM AND THE ROOT CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS.

TED GOLDBERG REPORTS.

>> Reporter: HISTORIC HOTELS IN SEASIDE HEIGHTS ARE BECOMING HISTORY.

DEVELOPERS ARE SEARCHING FOR BOTH PROPERTIES AND KNOCKING THEM DOWN AND REBUILDING.

>> YOU CAN GO DOWN EVERY STREET IN SEASIDE.

THAT IS 16 BLOCKS.

YOU CAN SEE EVERY STREET.

BUILDING STORM DOWN OR NEW BUILDINGS UPPER RIGHT.

THEY ARE SELLING BEFORE THEY ARE DONE.

>> Reporter: THESE MOTELS DID MORE THAN JUST BRINGING TOURISTS.

THEY ALSO HOUSED HOMELESS PEOPLE IN OCEAN COUNTY.

NEW JERSEY'S ONLY COUNTY WITHOUT A FULL-TIME SHELTER.

FEWER MOTEL ROOMS MEANS PEOPLE ARE PRICED OUT, WITH SOME HAVING TO LIVE IN THE WOODS.

>> EVEN WHEN YOU HAVE A JOB, IF YOU DON'T HAVE A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD, HOW ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO STAY CLEAN AND SHARRA KLUG >> BRIAN ADAIR HAS BEEN HOMELESS FOR TWO YEARS.

HE SPENT A SUMMER IN A SEASIDE HOTEL AND SAYS IT WASN'T A GREAT SOLUTION.

>> A LOT OF TIMES TO COME UP SHORT BECAUSE YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY FOR YOUR FOOD AND EVERYTHING ELSE.

BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, YOUR TIME RUNS OUT AND YOU ARE BACK OUT ON THE STREET AGAIN.

BASICALLY YOU DON'T HAVE A STOVE AND EVERYTHING YOU HAVE A MICROWAVE.

YOU HAVE TO PLAN YOUR MONEY.

IT'S NOT LIKE AN EFFICIENCY WE HAVE A STOVE AND EVERYTHING.

IT IS ONE ROOM WHERE YOU HAVE A BATHROOM AND A BAD.

YOU HAVE TO MAKE YOUR MONEY LAST THE WHOLE TIME.

>> Reporter: ADVOCATES SAY A SHELTER WOULD BE MORE HUMANE AND CHEAPER IN THE LONG RUN.

>> WE WERE PAYING FOR ONE INDIVIDUAL TO BE IN A HOTEL ROOM FOR A WEEK THOUSAND DOLLARS.

I WAS LIKE THIS IS CRAZY.

IT'S DEPLETED OUR FUNDING AND PUT STRAIN ON OUR BUDGET.

WE KEPT TRYING TO HELP PEOPLE IN NEED OF WAYS TO MAKE DEALS WITH THE MOTEL AND HOTEL OWNERS.

>> PEOPLE ARE BEING PLACED IN MOTELS WITHOUT ANY SERVICES, WITHOUT ANY SECURITY, AND LEFT TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES.

YES, THEY SHELTER.

THEY ARE NOT LIVING IN THE ELEMENTS OVERNIGHT.

THEY ARE BEING PLACED IN THE SPOT WHERE THEY HAVE ACCESS TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL, THINGS THAT LEADS TO HOMELESSNESS.

>> Reporter: THE COUNTY IS LOOKING TO CREATE A FULL-TIME SHELTER.

BOSTON SEASIDE HEIGHTS BOROUGH COUNCIL PASSED A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HIM.

ADVOCATES SAY IT IS A GREAT FIRST STEP.

>> Reporter: THERE HAS GOT TO BE OTHER SERVICES THAT ARE PART AND PARCEL OF IT, MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, TO TRANSITION PEOPLE OUT OF HOMELESSNESS.

IT'S MORE OF A FEAR TACTIC PUT ON BY PEOPLE THAT DON'T THE HOMELESS.

THERE ARE PLENTY OF PLACES IN OCEAN COUNTY THAT ARE FAR AWAY, NOT IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS, THAT WE CAN HAVE ACCESS TO.

>> Reporter: MAYOR VAUX IS A BIG SUPPORTER.

PIECE IS A FULL-TIME SHELTER ON THE MAINLAND WILL BE A BIG HELP FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE STUCK ON THE BARNEGAT PENINSULA.

>> THERE IS NO TRANSPORTATION FOR MEDICAL THERE IS TRAINING FACILITY.

ALL THESE THINGS THAT PEOPLE THAT ARE INTERESTED TO NEED.

GROCERY STORES.

HOW ARE THEY GOING TO GET TO THE GROCERY STORE?

YOU ABANDON THEM HERE IN SEASIDE HEIGHTS.

THEY NEED A DOCTOR, THEY GOT TO FIND A REMEDY TO GET OVER THE BRIDGE.

>> IS THE FIRST POLITY IN OCEAN COUNTY TO PASS A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE COUNTIES INVESTIGATION TO FIND LAND A BUILDING THAT COULD HOUSE THE SHELTER.

WE WILL SEE IF ANY OF THE 32 MUNICIPALITIES FOLLOW SUIT.

>>> THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS THROWING MORE SUPPORT THAT DESPERATELY NEEDS A MATERNAL HEALTH CARE.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER HAS THE DETAILS, ALONG WITH TONIGHT'S TOP HEADLINES.

>> Reporter: THERE ARE RACIAL DISPARITIES IN MATERNAL AND INFANT CARE IN NEW JERSEY.

TODAY, THE STATE PUT MORE MONEY INTO TACKLING THAT PROBLEM.

THE NEW JERSEY COMMISSION OF SCIENCE IN BADJI ALONG WITH THE JDA, ON ESTABLISHING HIS $750,000 GRANT PROGRAM.

GRANTS WILL BE AWARDED TO NEW JERSEY-BASED EARLY-STAGE COMPANIES TO HELP SPUR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES THAT SUPPORT PREGNANT WOMEN AND THEIR INFANTS.

EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE STATE LAUNCHED AN INTERNAL AND VISION HEALTH CENTER IN TRENTON, AT THAT TIME SAYING NEW JERSEY RANKS 47th IN THE NATION FOR FRATERNAL DEBTS AND HAS ONE OF THE WIDEST RACIAL DISPARITIES FOR BOTH MATERNAL AND INFANT MORTALITY.

EVEN BEFORE COVID-19, HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS HAVE BEEN FACING WORKER SHORTAGES IN NEW JERSEY.

GOVERNOR MURPHY'S PROPOSED NEW BUDGET INCLUDES MILLIONS FOR WORKFORCE TRAINING, INCLUDING 6 MILLION FOR A PROGRAM CALLED NJ PATHWAYS TO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES.

IT IS A PARTNERSHIP THE NEW JERSEY BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION HAS WITH COUNTY COLLEGES.

AS HEALTHCARE REPORTER LISTINGS AND REPORTS, THE GOAL IS TO GET MORE WORKERS CERTIFIED FOR HEALTHCARE JOBS.

>> THEY CAN GET IN QUICKLY.

THEY CAN GET CERTIFIED QUICKLY AND THEORETICALLY.

GETTING TO AN ENTRY-LEVEL OR MID-LEVEL JOB.

AND THEN THERE IS ALSO AN ACTUAL PATHWAY TO ADVANCEMENT.

THIS IS SOMETHING WE HEAR OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

IF YOU ARE A CERTIFIED NURSING AIDE OR ASSISTANT, IS NOWHERE TO GO UP.

PEOPLE CYCLE THROUGH THOSE JOBS.

>> Reporter: HOLDING ONTO THOSE WORKERS IN.

THE STATE FORECASTS MORE THAN 78,000 NEW HEALTHCARE JOBS WILL BE ADDED BY 2026.

ANOTHER WEEK OF RECORD HIGH GAS PRICES.

IN NEW JERSEY, THE AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON IS $4.62.

THAT IS HIGHER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE.

GAS PRICES ARE UP $.57 PER GALLON OVER THE PAST MONTH.

HERE'S A LOOK AT HOW STOCK PRICES INTO THE DAY ON WALL STREET.

I AM RHONDA SCHAFFLER AND THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> SUPPORT FOR THE BUSINESS REPORT PROVIDED BY THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE NEW JERSEY, WORKING FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY BY UNITING BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS FROM MORE THAN 150 YEARS.

MEMBERSHIP AND EVENT INFORMATION ONLINE AT CHAMBER S NJ.COM AND RIVERVIEW JAZZ, PRESENTING THE JERSEY CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL JUNE 4th AND 5th.

EVENT DETAILS, INCLUDING PERFORMANCE SCHEDULES AND LOCATION, ARE ONLINE AT RIVERVIEW JAZZ.ORG.

>>> FOR YEARS, ADVOCATES OF ADULTS WITH DEVELOP MENTAL AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES WARNED STATE LEADERS OF A GROWING CRISIS IN THE COMMUNITY.

STAGNANT WAGES AND A SHORT SUPPLY OF HOME HEALTH AIDES WILL HELP GIVE THOSE RESIDENTS QUALITY OF LIFE, WHILE THE DWINDLING WORKFORCE WAS MADE WORSE DURING THE PANDEMIC, AND FAMILIES ARE PLEADING WITH LAWMAKERS TO MAKE BIGGER INVESTMENTS IN THE POPULATION.

>> WE SUPPORT HERE HAVE A VERY DISABILITIES.

DOWN SYNDROME, THERE IS INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM AND CEREBRAL PALSY.

>> Reporter: EASTER SEALS IS A REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR FOLKS WITH DISABILITIES.

THEY, LIKE MANY OTHERS, ARE STRUGGLING TO STAY AFLOAT.

>> THERE ARE A LITTLE UNDER 13,000 INDIVIDUAL ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOP MENTAL DISABILITIES WHO ARE IN DEBILITATION PROGRAMS.

THESE PROGRAMS PROVIDE THEM WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO ACQUIRE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> Reporter: BASIC COVID IN THE STRAW THAT BROKE THE CAMELS BACK.

THEY ARE REIMBURSED ON A FEE FOR SERVICE MODEL, WHICH MEANT THEY WENT YEARS WITHOUT APPROPRIATE FUNDING OF CLIENTELE STAYED HOME.

>> MY 95% OF MY DAY HAVE PROGRAMS ARE OPEN.

THIS IS A FEE-FOR-SERVICE SYSTEM.

THEY DON'T COLLECT REVENUE UNLESS PEOPLE ARE COMING IN.

ACCORDING TO MY SURVEYS, THEY ARE ONLY OPERATING AT 62% OF THEIR PRE-PANDEMIC LEVEL.

>> Reporter: THE STATE ADDED $9 MILLION IN REIMBURSEMENTS FOR PROGRAMS LIKE THIS STATEWIDE THE CURRENT FISCAL BUDGET.

MATT BINDER SAYS IT'S NOT ENOUGH ENDPOINTS TO AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS CAN HELP CLOSE THE GAP.

>> WE NEED A COMMITMENT IN THE RATES.

WE GET REIMBURSED TO RISE WITH THE COST WE SEE.

THIS YEAR, WE THINK THAT A $17 MILLION.

EACH YEAR, WITH WHATEVER INFLATION IS, WE NEED TO SEE THE COST OF LIVING INCREASE.

>> Reporter: WHILE THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS HAVE GIVEN THE STATE MORE FLEXIBILITY TO SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS LIKE EASTER SEALS, THEY ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES LOOKING FOR A PIECE OF THE PIE.

HOW DO LEGISLATORS DECIDE WHO GETS IT PLEASE?

>> WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE EVERY DOLLAR SPENT SMART AND AN INVESTMENT.

IT IS NOT EASY TO DO THIS IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY.

THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY IS SITTING ON BILLIONS OF DOLLARS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RIGHT NOW.

>> Reporter: THIS REQUEST IS FOR REOCCURRING INCREASES.

PLUS, SOME UNCLE POWELL, WHO TOWARDS THE SIDE TO SEE IT BACK IN ACTION, SAYS HE SUPPORTS THE MOVE.

>> HAS TO BE PRIORITIZED.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE NOBODY GETS FORGOTTEN.

THAT'S WHY I THINK THIS IS SO IMPORTANT THAT THEY ARE DOING THIS.

WE ARE ADVANCING INCREASED FUNDING AND MENTAL HEALTH, SPECIAL EDUCATION, ADULT DAY CARE, SO MANY OTHER AREAS.

WE JUST SAW THE STATE PUT OUT $54 MILLION FOR CHILD CARE FACILITIES.

THIS IS AN EQUALLY IMPORTANT INDUSTRY THE STATE NEEDS TO FOCUS FUNDING RESOURCES ON.

>> THE ISSUE HAS BIPARTISAN SUPPORT.

KIM OWNER ALSO VISITED THE LOCATION TO LEND HER VOICE TO THE CAUSE.

>> THE THESE PEOPLE NEED TO HAVE AS MANY FUNDS ATOP MORE AS POSSIBLE TO KEEP THE VIBRANT PARTS OF OUR COMMUNITIES.

THEY ARE BEING DISADVANTAGED.

RELEASING FUNDS TO OTHER RELATED TYPE PROGRAMS LIKE THIS IS IMPERATIVE.

>> Reporter: THERE IS A PAIR OF BILLS IN THE SENATE THAT WOULD INCREASE THE REIMBURSEMENT RACE.

KATHY CHIN SAYS ANY INFUSION OF MONEY, EVEN IF IT'S A ONE-TIME INJECTION FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS, WOULD HAVE A HUGE IMPACT.

>> IF THEY CAN BE RELEASED SO OUR PROVIDERS CAN USE THEM TO INCENTIVIZE STAFFING, RECRUITMENT, AND RETENTION OF STAFF, PAY FOR OVERTIME, WHAT THAT CAN DO, JOANNA, IS WE BELIEVE IT CAN GIVE THE PROGRAMS A BIT OF A JOLT, IF YOU WOULD GET MORE STAFF IN, COULD GET MORE PEOPLE IN, OR REVENUE IN, AND THEN REPEAT.

IT'S NOT GOING TO SOLVE IT.

IT IS NOT A LONG-TERM SOLUTION, I THINK IT IS GOING.

>> GOING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE OFTEN LEFT OUT OF THE DAY-TO-DAY OF SOCIETY, BUT WHO SO DESPERATELY NEED THE SUPPORT.

>>> THAT DOES IT FOR US THIS EVENING.

MAKE SURE TO JOIN OUR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS ROUNDTABLE ON MENTAL HEALTH TOMORROW.

JOANNA GAGIS MODERATE A PANEL OF EXPERTS ON A DISCUSSION ON IMPROVING EARLY DETECTION OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS, PATH TOWARD REMOVING STIGMA, AND PROVIDING MORE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO TREATMENT.

YOU CAN REGISTER ONLINE AT NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG.

>>> I AND BRIANA VANNOZZI.

FOR THE ENTIRE VAPES,, FOR BEING WITH US.

SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW.

>>> NJM INSURANCE GROUP, SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.